One in three Canadian families cannot afford to enroll their children in an organized sports program. Olympic gold medalist and women's hockey hero Cassie Campbell is on a mission to change those odds.

Campbell has issued a challenge to Canadian corporations and citizens to donate $20,000 by March 31, 2009 to Canadian Tire JumpStart, a program dedicated to funding organized sports for kids in financial need aged 4-18. This will enable them to participate in sports activities and recreation such as hockey, dance, soccer and swimming so they can develop important life skills, self esteem and confidence.

"I know first-hand the impact that sport can have on your life," said Campbell. "Providing sports and recreation opportunities to kids not only benefits the families involved, but contributes to strengthening the community at large."

Energizer Canada was the first corporation to answer Campbell's call by donating the first $10,000 to the drive.

"I applaud Energizer for taking the initiative to raise awareness about this important issue and for helping to fund what is a critical but under-funded aspect of children's lives," said Cassie Campbell. "Many families can't afford to have their kids participate in organized sports, and it's really a shame, because it's through sports that they can learn the invaluable qualities of socialization, team work, dedication – while having fun."

To make a donation, visit www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart and click on the "donate" link.

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For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Stein / Zoey Fiksel
APEX Public Relations
(416) 924-4442 ext. 227 / 279
jstein@apexpr.com / zfiksel@apexpr.com